Herefordshire Council's adult social care service rated as requires improvement
The council says it's already making changes based on the Care Quality Commission's findings
Herefordshire Council's adult social care service has been rated as requires improvement by the Care Quality Commission.
The service received an overall score of 56%, just seven percentage points short of a ‘Good’ rating during the assessment carried out in September last year (2025).
CQC inspectors found several strengths within the service, including strong saftey measures with arrangements rated as ‘Good’.
The report also noted "effective systems" and "practices" protecting people from "abuse and neglect" and that safeguarding concerns were triaged quickly with timely responses.
In addition inspectors "did not find any safeguarding issues or concerns" and found a robust quality assurance framework in place using evidence-based approaches to monitor care services.
Approximately 77% of home care providers and 79% of residential care providers commissioned by the council were rated ‘good or outstanding’ in the report.
A dedication to partnership working was also highlighted, with strong collaboration between adult social care, housing, public health, and community organisations recognised.
The CQC also highlighted "the authority had invested in Talk Community Hubs in community venues which provided opportunities for people to connect with support in ways that worked for them."
However, inspectors did note several areas requiring improvement including the waiting times for Care Act, Financial and Occupational Therapy (OT) assessments and some specific services, alongside the need for enhanced support for unpaid carers.
The council has committed to addressing the areas for improvement identified by the CQC and say work is already underway to help people live as independently as possible and to introduce new services and care models.
Cllr Carole Gandy, Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said:
“We fully acknowledge the CQC’s findings. During the past year we have already put major changes into place and are continuing to do so at pace. The team and our many partners are working hard to improve, and we’re determined to get to ‘Good’.”
Despite the report identifying some areas for improvement the CQC praised the council's work providing access to information, guidance, prevention and early support across what is a large, dispersed rural area.
Cllr Gandy added:
“We fully recognise the need to improve in areas of how we support those adults who are often the most vulnerable in society and need us the most. We have developed and already made progress on many elements of a comprehensive Improvement Plan during the past year. The CQC’s report is clear about where we are doing well, and reflects where we know we can provide better services for people in our care, and those who look after them. Changes we are implementing will further help people live well, and as independently as possible, with choice and control over their care.
“Herefordshire Council is fully committed to further acting on these findings. We know people are often waiting too long for assessments and sometimes for support. Like everywhere, demand has increased dramatically, putting pressure on services and budgets, and as CQC recognised, we have the additional challenges of a large rural area and ageing population.
“That’s why we’re now doing things differently - introducing new services, care models, and technology. By further collaborating with people using services, their families and carers, and joining-up across the public, private and voluntary and community sectors we can develop new approaches that give people the best opportunities and quality of life possible.”